Utah DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Utah

Are you selling your used car in Utah? Maybe you want to buy that pickup from your neighbor. In either case, you need to know how to transfer the car’s title. You will accomplish the transfer at your Division of Motor Vehicles office. Find the one that is closest to you with this link.

If you have some questions about transferring the title before you had out to the office, give the DMV a call at 801-297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

You are going to need the DMV title transfer form. You can fill out the pdf form on your computer and then print it out. This prevents any confusion over illegible entries.

You will also need to complete the transfer of title on the original title.

Look for these key elements:

All sellers listed on the front of the title must date it and sign and print their names.

All buyers to be listed on a new title must date, sign and print their names on the original title.

The odometer reading must be recorded on the original title and the same number must appear on the DMV application form.

The address listed on the DMV form must be your current and valid mailing address.

Ensure that the VIN listed on the original title matches the number entered on the application and is the same as the VIN on the car.

Title Transfer Requirements

You completed the sales transaction with the seller. Now, what do you need to transfer a car title?

You will bring the signed original title along with the DMV Application for Utah Title to the DMV office.

Utah Bill Of Sale

It is also recommended to have a Bill of Sale. You will likely be registering the car at the same time as applying for the title. You will need payment for the title transfer, plates, and any applicable sales and use tax.

You will also be asked to present an emissions certificate.

Title Transfer Fees

Are you wondering how much is a title transfer? The title itself only costs $6. Then you may pay an additional fee for adding lien holder. The sales and usage tax is based on the purchase price of the vehicle, so figuring out how much does it cost to transfer a car title is not a single answer. Registration fees begin at $44 and increases based on the weight of the car.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

For most car purchases, the owner will have the original or duplicate title on hand. This helps to protect the buyer from receiving an undocumented salvage or stolen vehicle. If you are buying a car and it is not possible to get a duplicate title, you will need to prove a Public Insufficient Evidence of Ownership in order to file for a clean title in your name. Download the checklist here to begin the process.

If the seller says they just can’t find the title, have them apply for a duplicate title.

Requesting A Duplicate Title

In Utah, an application for duplicate title can also serve as the original title for the purpose of selling the car. However, it may save you time and frustration if you simply wait for the duplicate title to be mailed out. If the application falls through and the seller has disappeared, you will be saddled with an untitled vehicle which can be difficult to register and insure.

It takes a few weeks for the duplicate to be processed, but it really might be worth the wait.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

You bought the car and followed all the instructions on how to transfer a car title, but the new title never appeared in your mailbox. Now what?

Did you wait long enough? It can take up to two months for the new title to be mailed out.

Is there a lien on the car? Your bank will hold the title until the loan is paid off.

Was all the information supplied accurate and true? Call the DMV and have them run a VIN search to find the status of your title. It might be stuck in limbo if a name or number is missing.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

It might seem like you can just give the car to your teen by paying the $6 title transfer fee. Not so fast.

On the application for title you will list the sales price as zero, but the DMV clerk will still fill in the MSRP for the car. The sales and usage tax is based on the actual value of the car if no purchase price is listed. It might make more sense to add your teen to your insurance and leave the car in your name. Otherwise, the transfer is handled the same as a regular car sale.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

Whether you are the surviving spouse or the heir to an estate, you will need a couple documents to transfer the title from the deceased’s name to yours. You must fill out the Survivor Affidavit and have the document notarized. You may also need the Small Estate Affidavit. Once you have the forms notarized, bring them and the application for title transfer to the DMV.

You will not be charged the sales and usage tax, but all other title and registration fees.

Utah DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Utah, or for UT DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

You can also call the UT DMV by dialing 801-297-7780 or 1-800-DMV-UTAH.

Common Questions About Utah Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Utah.